OBITUARY

Ken Graham McCollum

February 25, 1951 – January 4, 2019

Ken Graham McCollum, 67, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton on Friday, January 4, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born February 25, 1951, and was the son of Arthur and Joanne Graham McCollum, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Michael (Ruth) his brother, Tom (Janet), and other family and friends.

Ken was a 1969 graduate of Miamisburg High School, where he was a representative to Buckeye Boys State, served as class president his senior year, and was involved in theatrical productions. He graduated from Miami University in 1973 with a B.S. in Education, and earned his Master’s from Wright State University in 1994. He spent his entire teaching career at West Carrollton High School, where he taught English, Composition, and Literature. He also served as advisor to the yearbook, newspaper, and was the coordinator of graduation and commencement ceremonies. He had a great impact on many of his students and remained friends with them long after they graduated. After retiring from education, he worked in various capacities at Easterling Studios in Dayton. He joined the effort to restore the Plaza Theater in Miamisburg and volunteered there since its re-opening. Ken was a friendly face at the “Koffee Kup” where he established many meaningful friendships. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held at GEBHART-SCHMIDT-PARRAMORE FUNERAL HOME on Saturday, January 12th from 12:30-2:00 pm, with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Dayton.

Ken Graham McCollum

Robin Parramore Wallace

January 13, 2019

Tom, I just heard of Kens death yesterday and I was shocked and am so deeply saddened by the news. The last time that I saw Ken was in the nursing home , with your mom; we sat together for several hours over a few day and talked and then of course at her funeral.He was a good and kind man.I am so very sorry for your loss and again, saddened.With deep sympathy for you and your family,Robin Parramore Wallace

Tammy Ward

January 11, 2019

Words can not express how much “Money Man” was loved by Tam’s Little Crew at the Kup. He came up to me several years ago and asked me if he could give the kids some quarters for the machine. I said sure! From then on, every time we ate lunch at the Kup the kids each received two quarters. For this reason they named him “Money Man”. The rule was if they did not say thank you, they could not have the quarters.They loved to talk to him and show him what they got with their quarters. The kids thought he was so much fun!!!“Money Man was the most kind hearted, generous, fun person! Tam’s Crew’s hearts were very sad when I told them he was very sick and went to heaven to be with Jesus.We will miss you very much!!!!

Monique Lundy

January 11, 2019

It has been an honor to know Ken. He started at Easterling Studios a few months after I did. He was always there with advice and a laugh. He loved fart noises, our kindergarten humor. He will truly be missed.

Tish Croom

January 11, 2019

Kennedy thank you for being such a blessing to me I still can't believe your gone but i know god needed you more sending my deepest condolences to your family fly high definitely going to miss our talks more importantly I will miss you♥️

Peggy Fromholt

January 10, 2019

Ken was my coworker at Easterling Studios. If Ken was present, you could always count on lively conversation, care and concern for your personal troubles, passionate political discussion, special fond memories of all things Mayberry and Manilow, and hilarious stories about life in general. Ken was a kind, caring, and fun work buddy and will be missed dearly every single day. Ken, tell Jeff we all said hi.

Terri Campbell Cobain

January 10, 2019

Mr . McCollum was my teacher and newspaper advisor from 1983-85. He was a wonderful teacher, always reaching out to us with a story or movie to share. He was a kind man and a gentle soul. He will be missed.

Tanya Moss

January 9, 2019

Ken was a cherished customer of mine at Dan’s Hairstyling in Miamisburg. I enjoyed getting to know him and all of his wonderful stories about his life. Full of wisdom and peace. And how much he loved his son. And most of all his love for Andy Griffith and the life of Mayberry! He was so proud of his tatoo his son gave him!He put love and passion into everything he did. A great man can equal such great loss. He will be greatly missed!

Julie Wade

January 8, 2019

Reading through the comments on FB on the 'In Memoriam For W.C. Pirates No Longer With Us ' Page, it certainly says a lot about a teacher when SO many comment that he was their favorite teacher in High School !! He just so happened to be my favorite as well. Mr. McCollum treated all students with respect and was ALWAYS so nice....so pleasant. He made West Carrollton High School better with his presence. RIP Mr. McCollum, you were without a doubt 'one of a kind'. My thoughts & prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Rachel Wilson

January 8, 2019

Every now and then I’d run into Ken while walking at Harmon Field, he was always so kind and easy to strike up a conversation with 💙 When Easterling would come to school (Maddux Lang primary) he always had a smile on his face & we’d chat yet again while the students waited for their pictures . So very sorry to hear of his passing . Prayers for your family during this difficult time ,

catherine mcclain

January 8, 2019

He was one of my all time Favorite teachers wayyy back in the 70's .( 78 to 80)

Sandy (Downing) Hester

January 8, 2019

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. McCollum. I too had him as a teacher. May God bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Rochelle Fenlon

January 8, 2019

I had the pleasure of working with Ken at Easterling. He was a joy to work with. Even after our time working together ended, he always greeted me with a big smile and a friendly hello. Ken, you will be missed by so many. Thank you for your kindness! God bless you.

Cassidy McQuinn

January 8, 2019

Ken was a very amazing, loving man. He would come into my work at the Koffee Kup every single day and would always tell me hi and let me vent to him if I needed to and vice verse with him. He deserved so much better and didn’t deserve to die so young. Always remember to cherish what you have. You never know what you have until it’s gone.

Linda Mccollum Schimmoeller

January 8, 2019

Sorry for your loss. I am a 1st cousin to Ken. My father, Bob, was a brother to Art. Unfortunately our families had lost contact with each other after our fathers had passed away but still always in our thoughts. Didn’t really know Ken but by the memories he sounds like he touched a lot of lives. Really sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Kim Casson

January 7, 2019

I have known Ken since 1971 when my Dad(Lynn Coleman) opened the Koffee Kup, and he was one of Dad's first employees. Thru the years Ken remained a customer and friend.The last few years since retirement, he became so much more to our Koffee Kup family. He was family. We will miss him dearly. Love and prayers to all his family and friends.❤❤❤❤

Tim Downs

January 7, 2019

I grew up just down the street from Ken on Old Main Street in the 'Burg. His brother, Tom and I hung out and played whiffle ball in their back yard, rode bikes and were constant companions with Tom Stine and others for a few years. We would see Ken from time to time and the thing I remember most was his smile and happy demeanor - just a great guy to be around, and a great example for us. I remember when the Koffee Kup opened and he treated us to some waffles...He said they smelled like candy when they were cooking. The world will miss you my brother.

td

Jeff Cluxton

January 7, 2019

Ken was a dear friend to my older brother, Doug, so he became a great friend of mine as well. Ken was the only groomsman at my wedding who wasn’t a blood brother. We always considered him a part of our family.

Ken’s sense of humor and kindness are what I will remember most about him.

Vicki and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family.

Jeff and Vicki Cluxton

Eric Cluxton

January 7, 2019

Ken was a wonderful person with great humor. The last time I saw Ken was when I ran into him several months ago at Koffee Kup. We talked for 20 minutes sitting at the diner. We reminisced about growing up in The Burg, family and friends. Also debated Andy Griffith Show trivia. Ken will be missed.

Peggy Crabill

January 7, 2019

My daughter, Abby and I, worked with Ken at "The Plaza Theater". He was such a kind and gentle man, so soft spoken. Abby is studying journalism and they had nice conversations together. We are shocked and saddened to hear of Ken's passing. We may not have known him long, but he left a giant impression. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Thank you for the opportunity, Ken, to get to know you. Our lives were enriched by knowing you. Rest in peace.

Roger Cluxton

January 7, 2019

Such a wonderful and funny guy. He spent a great deal of time at our house as he and my oldest brother Doug were best friends in high school. The last time I saw Ken was at my mother's funeral in 2017 and we reminisced about those wonderful times. He thought of my Mom and Dad as second parents and I know the feeling was mutual.

To those in the McCollum family--you have my deepest sympathy.

Roger CluxtonNew York, New York

Carole Warrick

January 7, 2019

I'm so sorry to learn of Ken's passing. My sympathy to his family & friends. I always enjoyed seeing Ken at the Koffee Kup. He always gave a wave and a smile! We had some fun conversations about The Andy Griffith Show & traveling to Mt. Airy, NC. RIP, Ken.

David Earnhardt

January 6, 2019

I had Mr Mccollum for radio class and speech class. I remember one day he announced Paul McCartney is dead!It got everyone's attention. Then he proceeded to give a speech about the rumor that Paul McCartney was dead.It was great. I learned a lot from his speech class. I use those skills he helped me develop now when I preach, and i have always thought about him when I do. May the Lord bless and keep his family now and comfort them in your time of mourning. Know that Ken is going to live on in each of those people he taught.

Jennifer Shirk-Wheatley

January 6, 2019

I just learned of the passing of one of my greatest mentors throughout high school. Ken McCollum...you were one of the great ones and will be truly missed. Thank you for always believing in me, teaching me that sometimes in writing, less is more, and for introducing me to my heroes, Mr. Woodward & Mr. Bernstein. Every episode of M*A*S*H will forever remind me of you. I will never forget one ounce of the wisdom you shared or the passion and care you put into every class.

Easterling Studios

January 6, 2019

I have known Ken for almost 24 years. He is my BEST FRIEND and will always be. Someone who was always been there for me during the good and bad times. "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." You have became part of my family.... I will love you forever!Karri(Message for Owen - I love him and I want God to bless him forever.)

Marti and Vanessa Eggers

January 6, 2019

It was a pleasure dishing up Plaza popcorn with you, Ken. You touched the hearts of adults and children all around. You had wonderful things to say about everyone and always had a smile and story to share. You and Jack are now running Heaven's theatre. God's speed, Ken. You are missed.

Tanya Sanders-Straight

January 6, 2019

Mr. Mccollum was one of my favorite teachers. He saw something in my writing and asked me to join both the newspaper and the yearbook staff. I learned so much from him. I was lucky to reunite with him recently, in Miamisburg where we live. He remembered me right away and had kind words. My deepest sympathies to his son and family. He will be missed!

Andee Murphy Branscomb

January 6, 2019

He was my very favorite school teacher and later found out a distant cousin to my father.... he was a great teacher and a very kind man!!

Jenny (Calvert) Kavouras

January 6, 2019

We are so heartbroken at the sudden loss of Ken. He has left a void in our hearts.

Mike, as you already know, Pete and Ken were the best of friends and we spent this sad weekend laughing about their many trips together, and all the fun they shared. Cooperstown, Mayberry, our Bermuda trip, all the journeys home to "Mother Miami." We cried a lot, but we laughed even more.

We will miss his kind heart, his twinkling blue eyes, his sweet and giving soul. He left a beautiful mark on this world through his goodness, and through you.

We are thinking of you, Mike, and although we are far away at the moment, we are here for you always. Please reach out to us for anything at all.

Memory Eternal!

All of our love,Jenny and Pete Kavouras

Tara Whisman

January 6, 2019

My deepest condolences to all Ken’s family and friends. Mike, I am so very very so for your loss of your father. He always was talking about you and how much you meant to him. You was the best accomplishment in his life. He would always talk about your wife and you when he came back home for seeing you for all the holidays and just because. I apologize that I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you both,I am sure your father explained why. This is the first time I could possibly get in touch with you. No matter what he was truly the best person in my life. He was a blessing to so many. We taught me so much of how a man can truly love me with everything in his heart through all ups and downs. He was family to my mother and father as well with my children and I. R.I.H. Ken fly high to your home,with all my love you will be truly missed. I wish I could have said goodbye in person but I will be saying hello to you till I see you again Ken (1000 years and a 1000 more) Love, Tara ❤️

Heather Flynn

January 6, 2019

He was one of the best!! I took a contemporary writings class one year and there were only 4 people in the class. He brought us bagels for breakfast every Friday. Countless hours working on the school newspaper were really just free therapy sessions. He introduced me to one of my favorite books, the Catcher in the Rye. I would run into him at Koffee Kup after high school, and my son and I joined him a few times and we talked for hours. He introduced me to some of his favorite dining spots over the years, that have since become mine. He was always so kind and had the best stories! He was always someone to count on. He was a great friend, teacher, and man. I feel blessed to have known him.

Tricia Mcquinn

January 5, 2019

I feel so blessed to have known this man.He was the most caring, loving, grateful person, a friend could ask for. Whenever or whatever you knew you could always depend on him. He might not have been blood related, but I considered him my family. I will miss him so much.. rest in heavenly peace love you

Roger Haney

January 5, 2019

So very sorry to here of your passing. You were one of the good ones!

Tara Dovayak

January 5, 2019

I discovered my favorite book in his class, Watership Down. I love how he always encouraged us to think critically and to be our true selves no matter what.

Marsha Carmack-Miller

January 5, 2019

Mr. McCollum was an amazing teacher. He helped open my eyes to an appreciation for reading. We had a shared love of Barry Manilow music. I remember him sharing the experience of the birth of his child with our class and how emotional he was. I was able to work with him on yearbook staff nd he was an awesome Senior advisor. As I read through the messages here it is apparent he touched many young lives. Rest In Peace .

Betse Barhorst OKeefe

January 5, 2019

Not only was Ken one of my favorite teachers, he was also my brother-in-law for several years. He was just a very nice man. I’ll always remember the field trip he took us on in high school to Miami University and telling us all the good ghost stories. My condolences to his son Mike and any other surviving members of his family. I’m sure he will sorely missed.

Rachel Lloyd

January 5, 2019

Ken was one of my favorite people to work with at Easterling Studios. I have countless fond memories of our days at work. He was one of the most thoughtful people I have known. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people. My prayers are with your loved ones, Ken.

Diane Charron

January 5, 2019

Ken was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known. Ken and I worked together at Easterling Studios. He was always smiling, laughing and sharing his knowledge. He always was willing to help anyone. Ken will be missed my so many. Your family is in my prayers!

Molly Luzius (Seibert)

January 5, 2019

It’s going to be a “broken record” but he was one of my favorite teachers too. He was such a kind man and genuinely liked and cared about his students. I remember him taking our class on college visits to Miami and OSU. I also remember when his first child was born and he told our class that “he came out with a full head of perfect hair”! I will always remember him with a smile on his face.

Thia Whitaker

January 5, 2019

So sorry to hear this. Mr. McCollum was my favorite teacher! He is the reason I am now the grammar police, haha. He was such a sweet man, a kind soul, and I have great memories from yearbook and yearvideo classes! Heaven has definitely gained a special angel!....Thia (class of 95)

Sue Barlett

January 5, 2019

He always had a smile for everyone. RIP Ken!

Rusty & Bobbie Reed

January 5, 2019

We are going to miss him. It will seem strange not seeing him at the Koffee Kup.

Brenda & Butch Urschel

January 5, 2019

Ken's Family & Friends,Ken will be dearly missed by all of his Koffee Kup friends. We shared true friendship, fellowship and fun times! He was such a sweet guy and sometimes too sweet for his own good. Rest in peace, dear Ken.

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